Some family physicians around the oilsands area of Peace River, Alta., are reluctant to treat patients who draw connections between the burgeoning oil industry and their personal health problems, says a report commissioned by the Alberta Energy Regulator.

The report was prepared by Dr. Margaret Sears, an Ottawa-based PhD who specializes in toxicology and public health, for public hearings scheduled to begin in Peace River on Tuesday.

In her report, Sears writes: “There were reports from various sources that physicians would not diagnose a relationship between bitumen exposures and chronic symptoms.”

She continues: “Physician care was refused for individuals suggesting such a connection, and that analytical services were refused by an Alberta laboratory when told that the proposed analysis was to investigate exposure to emissions related to bitumen extraction.”

The hearings were called last fall by Alberta’s energy regulator, after some families in the area complained they were driven off their land by foul odours and medical symptoms such as severe headaches, dizziness, vomiting and fatigue after Baytex Energy purchased almost four dozen area oil wells in 2011.

Baytex spokesperson Andrew Loosely said the company is committed to continuous improvement and has hired experts in environmental safety.

Loosely praised the efforts taken to call the inquiry and added that there are many opinions to be heard besides those of Sears.

“She is one of many people who have contributed to this public inquiry,” Loosely said.

On its website, Baytex says it has invested more than $1 billion in the Peace River area, including more than $50 million to reduce hydrocarbon venting.

Many of the complaints centre on the tiny hamlets of Reno and Three Creeks. The Baytex website says the corporation suspended operations in Reno in early 2012, in the wake of complaints from residents.

“Baytex has been working very hard to implement solutions to minimize emissions in the Reno area,” the website states.

Sears wrote that she interviewed local residents for her study, and found them to be both pro-oil industry and pro-health.

“All residents who were interviewed were thoughtful and well spoken; none were against the oil industry per se,” Sears wrote. “Indeed, some had welcomed facilities on their own land. They simply want good industrial neighbours that allow them to breathe clean air.”

Sears could not be reached for comment Monday.

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